Eye Care Associates' vision includes giving back

Wednesday

Oct 23, 2013 at 11:54 AM

Latest store opens in Leland

By Phil FuhrerPhil.Fuhrer@StarNewsOnline.com

Eye Care Associates, the North Carolina-centric one-stop healthy-vision location, just opened shop in Leland.That's good news for the folks in Brunswick County, as well as the people in Rwanda.Now in its 35th year, and with 26 offices in central and eastern North Carolina, including locations in Mayfaire and Monkey Junction, ECA not only services its own, but helps the needy internationally."When someone purchases a complete pair of glasses from us," says Norah Goldman, ECA's marketing director, "we fulfill a free prescription for a pair of glasses for someone in need overseas. We do this through Restoring Vision, Inc., a foundation bringing eye care to developing countries around the world, Ghana, Ecuador, Rwanda, for example."Mainly, though, ECA is "unbelievably busy expanding its footprint" in North Carolina, says Goldman. ECA, founded and owned by Dr. Stephen Bolick, will open its 27th office later this year in Greensboro."Our mission," says Goldman, in her second year with ECA, "is a convenient, one-stop patient experience. We do everything on a customer service basis, from comprehensive exams using innovative equipment to in-store purchase of a powerful assortment of products, with assistance from knowledgeable staff."And you can get a complete pair of frame and lenses for as little as $79."Goldman obtained college degrees in Boston and began her marketing career there. Goldman, who moved to North Carolina when husband Aaron joined Duke University as a cell biologist, says Leland was a natural fit for ECA in the greater Wilmington area."Our demographic is very broad," says Goldman. "We recognized the senior population in Brunswick County, but there also is the community college. We help people of all types and of all ages – children to athletes to people over 40. Besides, the economy is good there and it's a central location."Drawing on her marketing expertise, Goldman has her own checklist for the ECA patient experience:See good. Visit an ECA optometrist.Feel good. In selecting the best frames based on the optometrists prescription, "our optical consultants will get the best fit for customers at the right price."Look good. "Our selection of products is extensive, and our fashion consultants who help you are very stylish."Do good. "When you buy a pair, we give a pair to someone in need," she said.And that's not just internationally. Bolick, a University of North Carolina Chapel Hill grad who was the eye care provider for U.S. athletes at the Olympic games in Lillehammer and Atlanta, teaches his staffers about local community outreach, among other things, when they sign on and attend "ECA University."